February 26, 2024 (DES MOINES) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and a delegation of farmers and other agricultural industry leaders just returned from a trade mission to Mexico that was held February 18-24. The mission, coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), was focused on increasing exports of manufactured products and agricultural goods.

“Because of the incredible productivity of Iowa farmers and favorable free trade agreements, we have an opportunity to supply customers here and around the world. Mexico is Iowa’s largest export destination for corn, pork, and dried distillers grains as well as a significant market for soybeans, soybean meal, beef and ethanol,” said Secretary Naig. “By leading strategic trade missions to both established and emerging markets, we’re able to thank our customers for their past business, strengthen existing relationships and discover new business opportunities. All of this will create even more market demand for Iowa’s high quality, safe, consistent and reliable agriculture products.”

Iowa companies exported $4.2 billion in goods to Mexico in 2023, a new record for Iowa exports to Mexico. Mexico is Iowa’s largest export destination for corn, pork, distillers grains, a byproduct of ethanol production, and second for soybeans. Iowa exported $973 million in corn, $706 million in pork and $392 million in soybeans to Mexico in 2023. Mexico was the second largest export market for U.S. exporters in 2023, with overall total exports valued at $323 billion.   Specific to top agricultural products, Mexico purchased $28.5 billion – a record. (Source: WiserTrade)

Mission participants included members of the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Corn, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and IEDA staff. Delegates participated in meetings specific to their market entry or expansion needs.

The IEDA’s International Trade Office connects Iowa companies with markets for their products and services, educates Iowa businesses on exporting, and assists global companies wishing to establish or expand operations in Iowa. To learn more about these services or other trade missions the IEDA is planning, visit iowaeda.com/missions.